State police issued over 700 tickets and seized more than 100 vehicles during a campaign against toll evaders on the New York State Thruway.
Gov. Kathy Hochul recently announced the results of the summertime enforcement operation that aimed to catch cars with “ghost plates,” which are forged or altered license plates used to evade tolls.
Across three separate days between June and August, state troopers seized 140 vehicles from drivers who collectively owed $125,000 in unpaid tolls and fees on the Thruway.
The troopers also issued 711 tickets to drivers for having fraudulent or obstructed license plates, speeding, distracted driving, and driving with an expired license, among other violations.
“My administration is investing in critical infrastructure improvements that make our roads safer and more reliable, and by cracking down on unpaid fees and tolls, we’re ensuring those projects continue on time and on budget,” Hochul said in a statement.
In one day alone, police stationed at the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge — which carries part of the Thruway over the Hudson River— impounded 61 cars and issued 221 tickets.
On I-90, near Buffalo, state troopers impounded 26 vehicles and issued 259 tickets.
Just 20 drivers whose vehicles were impounded collectively owed $71,000 in tolls and fines, the governor’s press release said.
“Let’s be clear: People who use fake plates or alter them up to avoid paying tolls are stealing from all of our customers who pay their tolls to travel on the 570-mile Thruway system. We are committed to collecting every dollar owed to us and if you try to avoid paying tolls, we’re going to find you,” said Frank Hoare, executive director of the Thruway Authority.